Get all the latest Nationals news from MLB.com's Bill Ladson.

Last minute problem may prevent deal between Nats, Cole

A last minute problem has surfaced between the Nationals and right-hander A.J. Cole, which means the two parties may not be doing a deal, according to a baseball source. It’s not known what the problem is.

The Nationals and Cole have until Monday at midnight to get a deal done.

Early Sunday morning, it was reported by Baseball America – then confirmed by MLB.com — that Cole, the fourth round pick in the 2010 First Year Player Draft, and the Nationals agreed to terms on a $2 million deal.

Another source went so far as to say that Cole and his family feel that the Nationals are a “great fit” for the 18-year-old. Cole likes the positive direction the team is going in.

Team president Stan Kasten, general manager Mike Rizzo and Cole’s advisor, Jeff Berry, were not available for comment. Without naming names, Rizzo said on Saturday that the club hopes to get deals done with its unsigned Draft picks, which include outfielder Bryce Harper, the first-overall selection.

“I feel confident that we want to sign the guys we want to sign out of the Draft,” Rizzo said. “It’s a two-way street, and we are certainly doing our part. We are engaged in good dialogue and good communication.”

Cole comes from Oviedo (Fla.) High School and his fastball is clocked as high as 94 mph.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.